Fremantle has made one change for their Saturday afternoon clash with Geelong at GMHBA Stadium.
Experienced utility player James Aish returns from injury, having missed last week's game against Sydney due to a quad complaint sustained during a mid-week training session.
He replaces Matthew Johnson, who is being managed after only missing two games (in rounds eight and nine) due to suspension since his debut in round three this year.
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Johnson has been a standout performer in the midfield this season, playing 14 games and averaging 13 disposals and two clearances per game.
Both Johnson and midfielder Neil Erasmus have played various midfield roles this season due to player availability, which has accelerated their development.
Senior coach Justin Longmuir has been impressed with their progressions, particularly Johnson's learning experience in his first year at senior level.
“He’s (Johnson) played some really good footy,” Longmuir said on Wednesday morning.
“But in that, now they're (Erasmus and Johnson) learning what it takes to get up week in week out and put a consistent run of games together.
“That is all great experience for ‘Johnno’ and will hold him in really good stead for the next off-season and pre-season."
Longmuir praised Johnson's good form but acknowledged the challenge of adjusting to different roles each week for the first-year player.
He believes this varied experience will be beneficial for Johnson in the long run and prepare him well for the next off-season and pre-season.
“It’s a challenge to be able to review a performance individually and then have another good week on the track and then rock up and play somewhat different roles, week after week," Longmuir said.
“But he’s embraced it really well.”
The upcoming game marks Ethan Hughes' 100th AFL game.
The defender was drafted in the 2014 Rookie Draft and had an impressive debut game in his first year at the Club with 22 disposals and eight marks.
Hughes has been a reliable presence in the backline throughout this season, playing every game and will provide a mature and steady presence alongside Alex Pearce and Joel Hamling for the clash with Geelong’s potent forward line on Saturday.
The match is scheduled to start at 11.45 pm WST and will be broadcast live into WA on 7mate and Fox Footy, with streaming available on Kayo.
TEAM v GEELONG
IN: James Aish
OUT: Matthew Johnson (managed)
B: Joel Hamling, Alex Pearce, Ethan Hughes
HB: Jordan Clark, Luke Ryan, Hayden Young
C: Liam Henry, Jaeger O’Meara, James Aish
HF: Sam Switkowski, Josh Treacy, Lachie Schultz
F: Sam Sturt Jye Amiss, Michael Walters
R/Fol: Luke Jackson, Caleb Serong, Andrew Brayshaw
Interchange: Frederick, Corbett, Erasmus, Wagner